Turbo Trainer Advice

Glad it worked!

I'm mostly chuffed I sorted my puncture nightmare with the vortex.

Top tip, ensure the tyre isn't being compressed too much, use the dial underneath the flap at the back to regulate the pressure. If it's pressing too hard when the "smart" aspect kicks in you can end up with random flats.. so annoying.

I've always ridden it at 80psi and so far haven't had a single issue with it. Touch wood...

Long may it continue, I think I've exorcised my demons now, fingers crossed!

I'm looking for a trainer upgrade but not fussed about VR racing or smart resistance adjustment. I use a powertap so wheel-on is a must.
Does anyone have a non-smart Road Machine or Jet Fluid Pro they are looking to sell?

More like exercised. AMIRIGHT!

What's the smallest area / space a turbo setup can take?

I've been struggling to get out and do any riding since I moved so was thinking about a turbo in one of my sheds - but will still need shed stuff in there.

This has been asked before but I'm feeling lazy, what headphones do you use on the turbo? Earbuds do not hold up against the sweat.

I use cheap Chinese Bluetooth headphones. Seem to be 25-ish quid on eBay but I get mine from Shenzhen for 6/7 quid when I'm there or in Shanghai. Surprisingly loud.

Like these...

1 Attachment

I've gone through a few pairs of cheap Bluetooth earbuds, I think it's sweat that has killed them. My current pair are apparently fully waterproof but they're still on their way out. I've just ordered a pair of cheap over ear Bluetooth ones as I think it should be harder for sweat to get inside them. What I usually resort to doing is Playing music from my phone and using normal wired earbuds because I can keep my phone closer to me and not risk pulling my laptop off the counter by sitting up on the bike.

Any top tips for a first trainer?

Budget is as little as possible, as I'd like to make sure I use it before splurging.

So far I've narrowed down these;

lite Crono Fluid ElastoGel £120 (although looking at completed ebay listings I'd only pay £100 I think)
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=13074274&p=20032764&hilit=turbo#p20032764

CycleOps Mag Plus - £50
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/cycleops-mag-plus-2014-turbo-trainer-with-shifter-for-cycles/1207183615

Otherwise there seem to be quite a few Elite volare's on gumtree.

I like the idea of a shifter as I was thinking about using a fg/ss rather than my current road bike.

Any buying tips appreciated.

Or if anyone's selling one, let me know.

I got a pair of these before Christmas and they do the job. Sound good, stay put and are meant to be fully waterproof.

http://m.probikekit.co.uk/electronics/earphones-headphones/veho-zs3-water-resistant-sports-hook-earphones-with-mic-blue/11365353.html

Loads of 10-15% codes off for PBK which make them silly cheap.

Fluid will be slightly quieter but magnetic will let you adjust resistance, which you definitely want if you will be using it SS. Otherwise it's much of a muchness, get what's cheap. Keep in mind they all generally hold the rear wheel by clamping on a skewer, so if your rear wheel uses track nuts it probably won't work.

Budget is as little as possible, as I'd like to make sure I use it before splurging.

I completely understand the logic, but bare in mind that the feel of a cheap turbo can make it a miserable experience. If possible, try to find a fluid trainer second hand.

Cheap over ear Bluetooth it is then, thanks. Also thanks @Sumo.

What's the forum approved fan? Been looking at circulators.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oypla-Electrical-Chrome-Speed-Standing/dp/B00HU3BF22/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482953142&sr=8-2&keywords=18+inch+industrial+fan

Have the above fan and it does the job

Yeah that's the same size and style as the fan I use but I got mine from Argos for 40 quid.

@hugo7 I have the Elite Chrono Hydro Mag elastogel which I'm thinking of upgrading to a direct drive one so it could be up for grabs, I got a good deal on it so would happily let it go for £100.

Same as the one you linked to above, but with adjustable magnetic resistance which you will want if your riding fixed. If you are in London, you are more that welcome to try it out.

I think I've decided to go for a Tacx Flux... silence is a virtue in this house of newborn babies, from which I rarely get to leave for a bike ride and I can't justify the neo one bit. Trouble is that the RRP is 699 and noone has it on sale despite it being the season for sales. i suppose waiting until the ground freezes mid winter to buy an indoor trainer is not the smartest move but does anybody know of somewhere I can pick this up cheaper?

Hydro Mag

Cheers.

So how does the mag / fluid combo work?

Can you use it just like a regular fluid trainer where resistance stays constant and gears make it easier / harder? But just having the extra option of a resistance lever?

Also do you think the clamp would take a 120mm track frame?

Tacx sell track nuts that are designed to clamp into the trainer- £8 when I last bought them from Wiggle

Thanks.